ONE TOUGH SEASON

I have read plenty about Simone Biles this past week.  As I watched the replay of the team competition where she made the decision to pull out, I saw deep circles under her eyes and a face filled with disappointment.  


 

Yes, I am disappointed for her.  Yes, she is perhaps the greatest gymnast EVER.  I am not liking the negative comments I am hearing from some.  Keep in mind she is 24 years old.  She has spent her entire life training for these events-foregoing a normal carefree childhood.   It is a ton of pressure to perform as well as the previous games and we expected great things.  There is no one as disappointed in Simone as she is disappointed in herself.   This was not a decision made lightly.  You do not decide on a whim to forego the goal of a medal after dedicating your life to this purpose.    Most of us are harder on ourselves than anyone else ever is. She must feel like this will be her legacy.  I am praying we  are compassionate and remember all the thrills we have been given by witnessing her prowess and put this down as a tough season.  After all, she is entitled to have a bad day too.  I cannot even begin to imagine how devastating this is for her.



I suspect there was a perfect storm working here.  If the pandemic has not affected you psychologically, you are made of tougher stuff than me.  It has definitely had an effect on my emotions.  With the latest outbreak, I have this dread of what comes next.  What friends or family might I lose if this variant is even more contagious?  What new steps to try and nip this in the bud need to be taken?  Will the world forever be changed?  It has been with us  for soon to be two years.  I thought I saw the light at the end of the tunnel, but the darkness seems to be closing in again.  Imagine trying to train and compete during these uncertain times.  I cannot even begin to imagine all the Olympic politics, lack of fan support, concern for health, and weariness from a schedule which most of us could not even fathom.  Combine that with the mental pressure---a recipe for possible disaster.


Bottom line  ~  this is a time above all when we need to stand by Simone, not criticize.  This is the time to thank her for the countless hours of dedicating her life to her sport.  This is the time to stand up and say how very proud we are of our fellow American.  This is the time to show our love and remind her of our compassion and respect. Grace, Friends, it is all about grace.  God Bless Her!


"Therefore encourage one another

and build each other up."

I Thessalonians 5:11


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2 comments

  1. I'm completely in your camp when it comes to Simone, Lulu. We need to be supportive of her decision, and thankful for all the stunning performances she has given us in the past. Yes, the pandemic has taken its toll on everyone, and let's pray this variant will soon fizzle out.
    Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  2. It is showing no signs of fizzle over here, more like sizzle.
    Blessings, My Friend!

    ReplyDelete

Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!